This...

I couldn’t help but be frozen from the revelation.

If not her mother, then how?

Or were Arthur’s genes so strong?

I once again looked in Arthur’s eyes, who had now closed them, as if trying to soothe his mind, after suddenly being forced to remember his wife.

Maybe... 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Arthur’s full potential hadn’t been unlocked at the moment.

Maybe...

Haa...

"Don’t worry too much. Things like this tend to happen sometimes, and it’s a blessing that she has such talent for cultivation. Sophie wouldn’t remain a helpless girl, and would grow on to be able to protect herself, even without your presence in her life."

I uttered the words that felt the most strategic at the moment.

There was no need to inform Arthur about my assumption.

There was a time for everything, and I would make sure to use this information at the right moment.

"Haa... That’s good then."

Arthur sighed while leaning back slightly.

"Actually, I wanted to request something related to Sophie’s sudden growth."

Hm?

"Tell me."

My voice was measured yet polite.

"Uh... If possible, can you get her enrolled in the academy?"

"That..."

***

"Here’s my ID."

A man raised his hand to place his ID at the counter, which was then used to get his details in the records of the adventurer guild’s database.

"Which potions would you like, sir?"

The receptionist asked with a polite smile.

"Three healing potions and one mana recovery potion, please."

The receptionist nodded at his words, before quickly inputting the required amount.

"Uh... Sir, your quota will be used up on the healing potions, so you will have to buy the mana recovery potion."

On the receptionist’s words, the expression on the man’s face changed into one of realisation.

"Yes... I forgot about that. I had indeed bought some a few days ago. It’s at a discounted rate, right?"

"Yes, sir. The ones in stock are sold by Syma Alchemists’, so their rates are about ninety percent less than the original market prices."

Handing over the required credits, the man took all the potions before quickly drinking the healing potion.

The pain from the injuries across his body began to ease, as the potion’s effects were in process.

"Toshi, should we just become slaves for Syma?"

One of the other men in the hall, who seemed to be the friend of the guy named Toshi, walked from the side before putting his arm over the latter’s shoulder.

"If not for them, we would have to wait several days, going through that fucking pain, just so that we could go on an adventure again. They really are going all out with this campaign, ain’t they?!"

Toshi didn’t reply as he simply smiled at his friend’s words.

It was indeed true.

At first, Syma had begun to sell potions at rates that seemed ridiculous to the public, as they were far cheaper than the existing market rates.

That alone had helped many to be able to afford the potions and ease their pain.

The adventuring and mercenary business had been in full swing since then, as everyone was easily able to buy the necessary potions at far more reasonable rates.

But—

A few days ago, Syma had launched another initiative in their campaign, and now all the basic level potions were literally sold for free.

At first, many thought there were some hidden motives behind it, so people hesitated to take the potions.

But there was a limit to how skeptical an individual could be.

At the end of the first day itself, the guilds had been flooded with adventurers and mercenaries who wanted to be the first to buy the potions, as seeing others, they didn’t want to risk having the potions run out of stock.

Syma’s campaign had saved many lives and would continue to do so, as the potions were now sold for free.

This was unprecedented for the masses who had always been exploited by the rich and the powerful.

Many had even begun to worship the Syma Alchemists’ Guild, as the guild was now seen as a saviour by many.

A business that felt closer to their hearts than the demons that had been controlling the world markets for centuries and even longer.

Though there was also a fear among the public.

If... the guild would not be able to sustain itself after such a massive charity campaign, then would it shut down and be destroyed forever?

That fear had led to the creation of a donation campaign among the masses.

Though individually the commoners weren’t wealthy... they still tried their best to donate to the guild in whichever form they could.

As the potions were now sold for free, many people had begun to use that amount to donate to the guild.

Though individually the donations were small, considering the masses across all empires in the world, the amount had grown to such a level that Syma had to officially post a message to thank the public for their continued support.

Such modesty from a guild that was now one of the major economic powers in the world surprised many... but then that became a trigger for more support.

Now... Syma was treated with respect no matter where an individual lived.

If someone had begun to work for Syma, many would celebrate the achievement, as it had become a symbol of pride and honesty.

Public opinion was an interesting thing, as it could quickly side with you even after a small favour.

But Syma hadn’t only done a favour, they had revolutionised the way in which people lived and survived.

If someone had helped you survive, then... would you treat them lesser or equal to a god?

The question was simple, yet the answer was not.

Syma was now becoming something that felt threatening to everyone, irrespective of their mode of business.

From alchemist guilds to banks, along with every other business that involved big players... Syma had now become a constant point of discussion.

Even the royalties had now begun to treat the organisation with vigilance... though on the surface they never dared to disrespect the leadership of Syma.

And why would they?

Everyone wanted a pie of this new fish that had now grown to dominate the wide seas.